While the WhatsApp Plus scam has been around for a while it seems criminals have turned to a new name for their con, WhatsApp Gold.

Users will typically be sent a message on WhatsApp offering them an exclusive chance to download the new app which had, rather conveniently, only been previously available for celebrities.

Along with more customisation options the message claims that WhatsApp Gold comes with a whole host of new features which had previously only been available for the rich and famous.

Bloomberg via Getty Images

All you have to do is click on the link and you'll end up with the all-new version of WhatsApp.

Except you won't, you'll end up with an enormous wave of malware and potentially even ransomware that could then use software to take your phone hostage.

WhatsApp has previously warned against the rise of WhatsApp Plus including this advice for those users who have been banned after installing it:

"WhatsApp Plus is an application that was not developed by WhatsApp, nor is it authorized by WhatsApp. The developers of WhatsApp Plus have no relationship to WhatsApp, and we do not support WhatsApp Plus."

"Please be aware that WhatsApp Plus contains source code which WhatsApp cannot guarantee as safe and that your private information is potentially being passed to 3rd parties without your knowledge or authorization."